TAYLOR, MI – A Michigan resident has been charged with the illegal killing of a bull elk.

DNR conservation officers began the investigation in the Ostego County village of Vanderbilt around 9:50 a.m. on Dec. 8 after local police received a tip. The information was forwarded to the DNR’s Report All Poaching line at 800-292-7800.

The name of the 60-year-old Taylor resident is not being released pending his arraignment in Otsego County District Court. The charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $2,000.

In addition, mandatory penalties include $5,000 restitution for the animal, more for an antlered elk, and hunting privileges being revoked for 15 years on a first offense.

A Michigan State Police trooper and an Otsego County Sheriff’s deputy were able to locate the carcass of the elk, the crossbow used to kill the animal and the suspect.

“Without the public’s help, this case might not have been solved,” said Sgt. Mark DePew of the DNR. “The information we received led to a positive outcome in this investigation.”

An investigation into the illegal November killing of two elk in Montmorency County is ongoing.